Ukrainian Journalist Freed After Three Years in Secret Detention: A Heartfelt Prisoner Exchange Story | CNN

A Ukrainian journalist has been freed after spending over three years in Russian custody. Dmytro Khilyuk, aged 50, was released during a recent prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia. For years, he was among thousands of Ukrainian civilians held illegally under international law.

His parents, Halyna and Vasyl, fought tirelessly for his release. They attended protests, met with politicians, and reached out to Russian authorities for updates, often with no response. Khilyuk’s return was emotional; a video captured him calling his mother shortly after crossing into Ukraine. “I knew you cared about me and worried about me,” he assured her, promising he would be home soon.

Dmytro was captured when he and his father were trying to get supplies during the occupation of their village, Kozarovychi, north of Kyiv. While Vasyl was released days later, Dmytro vanished. Russia denied holding him, even though fellow prisoners testified otherwise. Incredibly, both the Russian Investigative Committee and the Prison Service claimed they had no record of him.

It wasn’t until December 2022 and January 2023 that authorities finally acknowledged he was imprisoned, confirming to his lawyer that he was being held without charge. Khilyuk had only communicated with his family through a brief handwritten note, assuring them he was alive.

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Khilyuk was among eight civilians released. The group also included soldiers and security personnel, many of whom endured years in captivity. Yet, the total number of people exchanged remains unclear. Reports state that 146 Russian soldiers were returned, while Kyiv has not confirmed the inclusion of any Russian civilians, previously said to be saboteurs.

Taking a broader view, the issue of civilian detainees in conflicts is complex. According to estimates, around 37,000 Ukrainians, spanning civilians and military personnel, are recognized as missing. Among these, at least 16,000 are believed to be held in Russia, with many suffering months of detention without charges. The Institute of Mass Information reports that around 30 Ukrainian journalists are currently in Russian custody, again, without any formal charges. The detention of civilians in such circumstances is considered illegal under international law.

Khilyuk’s release shines a small light of hope in a dark narrative, resonating with families still seeking answers for their missing loved ones. As the conflict continues, the plight of the detained remains a pressing issue that needs urgent attention.

For more context on prisoner exchanges and international law, you can refer to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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